The internet is the most vital aspect of business processes throughout the world. It comprises various parts that make it so accessible. One such aspect is a Domain Name System (DNS), which is a telephone book for the internet that computers use to identify and connect to websites.
It was built when cybersecurity wasn’t a prime focus, and this has led to certain holes that the threat actors can exploit and steal business data. To protect themselves from such threats, businesses now have the ability to move on from free DNS and leverage a custom DNS.
What is a DNS?
A Domain Name System (DNS) is a method of categorization for IP addresses and website URLs associated with them. A DNS works by translating the domain names into IP addresses that your internet browser can load. It matches IP addresses to URLs and allows users to reach their desired connection request. When the server responds, the user is connected to the website. This is an ongoing process that repeats as users surf the web.
IPv4 Vs. IPv6
IP addresses are unique for every website based on IPv4 or IPv6. The main difference between these two versions is that IPv4 uses digits for an IP address, whereas IPv6 uses both digits and letters. Where an IPv4 is limited to just 8 digits, the IPv6 can expand up to 45 characters.
DNS Caching
DNS caching occurs when devices store frequently used IP addresses to save time and resources. It’s a practice that browsers and operating systems frequently use for a specific amount of time. This eliminates the need for new DNS queries and increases the efficiency of IP correspondence with websites.
How Does A DNS Work
For a DNS query to be resolved, it must pass through a behind-the-scenes process known as DNS lookup. Once a DNS query is entered, this process doesn’t require any interaction from the user.
The four DNS servers involved in loading a webpage are:
- DNS Recursor – It receives the queries from the user’s device by using web browsers.
- Rootname Server – This server is what translates domain names to IP addresses. It serves as a reference to a more specific location.
- TLD Name Server – The top-level domain server is the next step in the search for an IP address. It hosts the last porting of a domain name, such as .com, .org, .net, etc.
- Authoritative Name Server – This server looks for access to the requested query and returns the IP address back to the DNS recursor.
Types of DNS Server
DNS servers operate using different servers. Each of these servers has specific functionality to perform, such as creating back and storing frequently visited IP addresses.
The three types of a DNS Server are:-
- Primary Server – Tasks such as, creating sub-domains and searching requested queries are performed on the primary server. It returns IP addresses to the DNS recursor as well.
- Secondary Server – These servers work as backup servers that exist on a necessity basis to provide load balancing and fault tolerance.
- Caching Server – Caching servers work similarly to secondary servers and save websites or other internet content for a temporary period.
How to Choose A DNS Server for Your Business
Choosing the best domain name system (DNS) for businesses demands the features and resources their online presence will require. For example, an online shopping website will require more resources than a personal blog. The right DNS server allows businesses to improve website performance, security, and uptime. Most businesses have started to use a secondary DNS service to increase their cyber security.
Free DNS Servers
Free DNS servers give your domain name visibility on the internet and provide a simple and basic infrastructure. These servers can be a viable option for a small personal blog or a startup business that doesn’t require a lot of resources to maintain its online presence.
Although it’s not the perfect solution, is a good first step for businesses in the early stages of the online journey. Free DNS servers work well when the web traffic and DNS queries are low.
Custom DNS Servers
Custom DNS servers are the best option for organisations or websites with a massive online presence and large amounts of traffic. Such servers are critical to businesses that work in industries that are rapidly growing, such as the online content industry and the online shopping industry.
These servers result in smooth request processing and increase network privacy. Also, custom DNS servers help businesses increase their server reliability and optimise performance.
Configuring A Custom DNS
Businesses using a custom DNS can have many advantages over those using a free DNS server, but using a custom DNS requires configuration.
To configure a custom DNS server:
- Navigate to Control Panel
- Click “Network and Internet”
- Go to “Network and Sharing Centre”
- Now click on “Change adapter settings.”
- Choose the connection that requires a custom DNS.
- For an ethernet connection, right-click on the “Ethernet interface.”
- Then, go to “Properties.”
- For Wifi, right-click the WiFi interface
- Then, click “Properties.”
- For an ethernet connection, right-click on the “Ethernet interface.”
- Go to the Networking tab
- Choose TCP/IPv4 or TCP/IPv6
- Then, click “Properties”.
- Click “Advanced” > “DNS” tab.
- Replace current IP Addresses with the IP Address of your custom DNS provider
Final Thoughts
DNS Servers help identify which domain names are associated with which IP Addresses. They perform various tasks such as translating domain names to IP addresses, creating backups, and caching frequently visited websites to increase the efficiency of IP correspondence.
A free DNS server is a viable option when businesses are starting out. However, a custom DNS server is required as a business continues to grow. Custom DNS servers are the best option for businesses and help them increase server reliability and network privacy.
